(Published with permission from Saint John Rapids)
The Saint John Rapids put on an offensive clinic Saturday night, exploding for an 18-14 victory over the St. Margaret’s Bay Rebels in a wild back-and-forth showdown at Spryfield Lions Rink.
In a game packed with highlight-reel goals, momentum swings, hat tricks, and physical play, the Rapids showed resilience and firepower from start to finish. Saint John buried 18 goals on 50 shots and answered every challenge the Rebels threw their way in one of the most entertaining contests of the young season.
The opening period set the tone immediately. After the Rebels opened the scoring, the Rapids erupted with four straight goals, powered by early strikes from Ben Rooney, Felix Harding, Carson Saunders, and Sawyer King. The teams traded goals throughout a frantic first frame, but Saint John carried a 7-6 lead into the intermission thanks to balanced scoring and relentless transition play.
Harding was unstoppable all night long, delivering a spectacular six-goal performance while adding three assists for a nine-point outing. Every time the Rebels threatened to seize control, Harding answered. His second-period hat trick marker gave the Rapids momentum, and he continued to carve through the defence with confidence and precision.
Chase Aldridge and Ben Rooney were equally dominant, each recording four goals and four assists in a massive offensive performance. The chemistry between the trio was electric, with crisp ball movement and quick finishes keeping the Rebels scrambling defensively all evening. Sawyer King also played a huge role in the attack, collecting six points with a goal and five assists.
The second period proved to be the turning point. After St. Margaret’s Bay rallied from a tie game to take an 11-9 lead midway through the frame, the Rapids responded with one of their biggest bursts of the season. Saint John scored five unanswered goals, flipping the game completely and silencing the home crowd. Goals from Ayden McCaustlin, Harding, Aldridge, and Rooney powered the surge as the Rapids stormed ahead 14-11 entering the third.
Even with the Rebels pushing hard in the final period, Saint John never lost control. Rooney struck again early in the third, Aldridge completed his hat trick moments later, and the Rapids continued to answer every comeback attempt. Morgan Mackinnon sealed the victory with the final goal of the night in the closing seconds, capping an incredible offensive showcase.
The game featured plenty of intensity as emotions boiled over late, but the Rapids stayed composed when it mattered most. Their ability to capitalize on key opportunities and maintain offensive pressure proved to be the difference in a contest that featured 32 total goals and more than 100 combined shots.
With the win, the Rapids continue building momentum and proving they can compete with anyone in the league when their offence gets rolling. If Saturday night was any indication, fans can expect plenty more excitement from this high-powered Saint John squad as the season continues.
